What's at stake for the College Football Playoff in the Mountain West championship game

No. 20 UNLV visits No. 10 Boise State on Friday in arguably the most important Mountain West title game in conference history. The winner is essentially guaranteed a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

College Football Playoff: The new 12-team format, rankings and seeding, explained

Here’s the deal:

The College Football Playoff guarantees a berth to the highest-ranked conference champion from the Group of Five leagues (American, Mountain West, Sun Belt, Mid-American, Conference USA). Heading into the Mountain West championship, that would be No. 10 Boise State — which aside from being the highest-ranked G5 team is also ranked high than any team from the Big 12.

If Boise State defeats UNLV, the Broncos will receive almost certainly receive a first-round bye in the playoff. If UNLV wins, it will steal the G5’s automatic berth from Boise State and shake up the seedings. 

At No. 20, UNLV is ranked higher than any other G5 teams. American Athletic Conference Championship participant Army is ranked No. 24 while Tulane dropped out of the rankings after losing at home to Memphis last week.

Additionally, likely Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty can add to his resume as voters get their final look at the tailback before voting opens. Jeanty leads the FBS with 2,288 rushing yards — 600 yards more than the next-best total — and leads the nation with 28 rushing touchdowns.

The Broncos already defeated the Rebels once this season in Las Vegas.

If they can do it again in Boise, they’ll be three wins away from a national title.